THE OLD YEAR OUT

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 1, 3 January 1933, Page 8

THE OLD YEAR OUT

REVELS IN THE CITY

TRADITIONAL SCENES

The revels in the city on Saturday night which marked the birth of the New Year were little different from those of previous but happier times. No one showed regret at the passing of the Old Year, which, in many cases, had meant new experiences of hardship and discomfort, and the street scenes were indicative of confidence and hope in the future.

Ordinary shopping hours were observed on Saturday, and there was a dearth of organised outdoor entertainment during the da;, apart from various sports tourneys. In addition, the observance of Friday evening as the late shopping night kept many people either at home or at picture theatres and dances on Saturday evening, and tho streets did bear quite their- usual animated appearance. There Was, however, one outdoor entertainment which attracted an attendance of ' several thousand people. It was the New Year's Eve carnival at the Basin Reserve, which provided a splendid way for fun-makers to while away the hours until midnight. Conditions were ideal for the fireworks display, which waa the main feature of the carnival, and the magnificent set pieces (including a superb "Happy N w Year" at midnight), rockets, Catherine wheels, and other fireworks aroused " keen admiration. ■ . .

Exhibitions of wrestling, Highland dancing and acrobatics, and some Maori songs and hakas were given on a raised platform on the green, aird* band music enlivened the proceedings, which went with a remarkable swing from start to finish. Dancing on the green followed to the music of concertinas and banjos, 'old-time" dances being revived by many of those present to the delight and interest of some members of the younger generation. -"Auld Lang Syne" was played by the baud as midnight struck, and the crowd. joined hands and sarig farewell to-the Old Year.

The Post Office square held an unusually large number of merrymakers at midnight, and for some time after the last stroke had sounded there was an indescribable medley of sound. Musical instruments, and many others designed to produce noise and nothing more, joined with the sirens of ships in port in a rousing welcome to; the New Year. Cheering, and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," added the final touches, to a traditional New Year's Eve celebration.- •